By: Lisa Blomgren, Alumni Coordinator
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states, “we aren’t a glum lot,” and “if newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it.” One of my favorite parts of my job is hearing all of the incredible things our alumni are doing when I make my check-in calls, especially when alumni tell me that they have rekindled or discovered a new hobby.
When we leave a treatment program, much of our energy is focused on therapy, meetings, support groups, and learning to navigate things without a substance or in a way conducive to our mental health. This type of self-care is a priority, but as time goes on, it is important to find new, healthy ways to spend your time in addition to your aftercare appointments. That is why I love hearing alumni tell me about their hobbies. The things that light that fire within their soul again.
Having a hobby is beneficial in many ways. Hobbies get you outside, allow you to meet and connect with new people with similar interests, prevent boredom, and build self-esteem and worth.
We have some incredibly talented alumni who inspire me daily to try new things and get outside of my comfort zone. I invite you to take a peek at just a few of them!
Alumni Hobby Board
Jared M. – Dancing
Dance has saved my life multiple times, it’s more then a hobby to me it’s my dream. Sobriety has taught me alot of things, and given me a lot of gifts. The gift to follow your dreams is one of them. Sobriety has allowed me to be present in my passion, and to be all in. The fruits have only flourished. I just got back from Spain where I had entered the world title battle. There is no dream to big or small. Ask God to guide you on the journey constantly, he will show you the way.
Silvio M. – Photography
Photography has helped me tremendously with my mental health. It not only helps my anxiety and stress, but it also helps my recovery, as I can see that life is truly beautiful through my lens. It keeps me enjoying everything that life has to offer and keeps me going with my recovery.
Joey R.- Comedy/ Theatre
I’ve been substance free for 4 years 4 months. I lost so many years trying to get drunk and lost sight of my life. So , November 14, 2018 I set out from what I learned from TTC. The beach, bowling, Sunday talent shows, basketball, softball and the likes. I reprogrammed my mind to do things like that without a beer. I have dug in for the long hall.
I drove past a sign that read “open auditions and I turned around and pulled into the parking lot, clueless. I walked in and they took my name. In my head I’m thinking “what am I doing.” My name was called, feeling strong, they asked me to try the choreography and then pick any song to sing. I belted out “to feel my love”. I nailed it and was rewarded with 5 parts in the “Wedding Singer”. The play was complete. I constantly push myself from sitting around. I enrolled back in college to seek my Bachelors. Finally, I saw a sign for amateur comedy night. I never skipped a beat. These are the things I do for fun. I lost so much that I need to catch up. I deserve to be free because I was controlled by my addiction. “Success is never owned, it is rented and the rent is due everyday”
If you have a hobby you’d like to share with your alumni community, please reach out to the alumni department.
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